Unit of Forensic Genetics (UGF)

PRESENTATION | SERVICES | TRAINING & RESEARCH | FAQ

Services

Paternity / Parentage Test Application Form

Enquiry for paternity/parentage tests:

Phone : +41 (0)21 314 38 64

Our services	Who can request them ?
Kinship tests (paternity, gemellity, fraternity tests, etc.)	Justice of the Peace, Office of the General Guardian, court presidents, private persons
Genetic identification of unknown deceased persons	Public Prosecutor's Office, presiding judges
DNA profiling (nuclear, X,Y, or mitochondrial) of persons	Public Prosecutor's Office, presiding judges, forensic identification services, private persons (for their own DNA profile)
Determination of the nature of a sample (blood, semen, seminal fluid, saliva)	Public Prosecutor's Office, presiding judges, forensic identification services
Entry of DNA profiles in the national DNA profile database (Codis)	Public Prosecutor's Office, presiding judges, forensic identification services
Forensic genetic analysis of animal or plant samples (criminal investigation, bites, species identification, poaching, illegal trafficking, etc.)	Public Prosecutor's Office, presidents of courts, forensic identification services, wildlife, hunting and fishing services, NGOs, private persons (under certain conditions)
DNA profiling (nuclear, Y, or mitochondrial) of biological traces	Public Prosecutor's Office, presidents of courts, forensic identification services

The tests offered by the UGF

Paternity test

Paternity tests are based on the principle that each child receives half of its genetic material (DNA) from its mother and the other half from its father. By comparing the DNA profiles of the child and the mother, it is possible to determine, for each marker analysed, which genetic trait is potentially of maternal origin; this is the genetic trait common to both individuals. The second genetic trait present at the same marker must be from the child's biological father. When the DNA profile of the alleged father is compatible with that of the child, the value of this compatibility is determined and a probability of paternity can be assigned. With current techniques, we generally obtain probabilities of over 99.999%. When incompatibilities are found at five or more markers, the alleged father is not considered to be the biological father of the child.

Note: Single parent testing is only accepted if the child is of legal age and can give informed consent or in special, duly justified cases.

Sibling tests

This test is based on the principle that two individuals who have the same biological parents have more similar genetic material (DNA) than two individuals who are not related. Thus, by comparing the DNA profiles of two individuals who may potentially be brothers, siblings or sisters, we can on the basis of their genetic traits (or alleles) help determine whether or not they are related. A statistical calculation is used to determine whether the analytical results are more consistent with the existence of a sibling relationship or with the absence of such a relationship.

Note: Analysis of a parent or other sibling is highly recommended as it increases the probative value of the DNA test.

Twin test

Identical twins (or monozygotic twins) have developed from a single fertilised egg. Very early in development, this egg (the zygote) split into two. Identical twins therefore have identical DNA profiles (genetic characteristics). Fraternal twins (or dizygotic twins) are the result of two separately fertilised eggs. In this case, the two people share a sibling relationship and have different DNA profiles.

Simple genetic profile

We can make your DNA profile. This profile is in principle unique (unless you have an identical twin) and invariable.

Our prices
These prices include the summoning of the persons concerned, the taking of samples with verification and documentation of the identity of the persons concerned, the duplicate analyses carried out independently, the necessary statistical calculations, the drafting of the expert report and the administrative costs.

Services	Price in CHF incl. VAT*	Remarks
Paternity test	783.75 CHF	For 3 persons (mother, child and alleged father)
Fraternity test	594.55 CHF	For 2 persons
Additional person	189.20 CHF	Second child, additional brother or sister, etc.
Other tests (maternity, cousins, grandparents, etc.)	Please contact us for a quote based on the analyses to be carried out

* VAT of 8.1% is included in the amount. It only applies to private requests.

Note: For private applications, the payment of the indicated amount must be made before the analyses start.

Currency converter

5 reasons to test with our Forensic Genetic Unit

Experience

Our laboratory was created by Professor M.-H. Thélin in the 1960s to respond to requests from official authorities (forensic identification services, judges, etc.). We have acquired a great deal of experience by carrying out mandates from judicial authorities, official services, private individuals, as well as university research projects. These activities guarantee a reliable and state-of-the-art know-how.

Precision

We work in accordance with the laws, standards and guidelines in force in the field. The analyses carried out in the laboratory are always carried out in duplicate. Every year, we successfully participate in several Swiss and international proficiency tests.

Impartiality

We have no privileged relationship with any particular political, administrative or economic movement or organisation. The laboratory has no monitoring, control or inspection tasks. It can only act as a consultant or expert.
Compliance with procedures and professional ethics guarantees the impartiality and independence of the laboratory vis-à-vis its clients. The person in charge of related DNA analyses undertakes to deal fairly with any request and to inform the client immediately of the possibility of a conflict of interest that may be linked to an analysis mandate that has been entrusted to him. This could be the case, for example, when a member of the laboratory has a special relationship with a person concerned by the analysis.

Discretion

All our employees are subject to professional and official secrecy. The laboratory premises are secured from outside persons. We do not pass on any results by telephone and only the persons concerned (the clients) will receive our report.